31 Common Phrases in Hindi with Examples

Greetings and Pleasantries

• Namaste (नमस्ते)

Meaning: Hello/Goodbye (formal)
Example: “Namaste, aap kaise hain?” (Hello, how are you?)

“Namaste” is perhaps the most recognizable Hindi greeting worldwide. It’s a respectful way to acknowledge someone, suitable for formal and informal situations. The gesture of joining palms together often accompanies this greeting.

• Kya haal hai? (क्या हाल है?)

Meaning: How are you?
Example: “Arre Rahul, kya haal hai?” (Hey Rahul, how are you?)

This casual phrase is perfect for checking in with friends or acquaintances. It’s the Hindi equivalent of “What’s up?” or “How’s it going?”

• Shukriya (शुक्रिया)

Meaning: Thank you
Example: “Meri madad karne ke liye shukriya.” (Thank you for helping me.)

Expressing gratitude is universal, and “Shukriya” is the go-to word for saying thanks in Hindi. It’s always appreciated when used sincerely.

Everyday Expressions

• Theek hai (ठीक है)

Meaning: Okay/Alright
Example: “Hum shaam ko milenge. Theek hai?” (We’ll meet in the evening. Okay?)

“Theek hai” is an incredibly versatile phrase used to express agreement, acknowledgment, or to check if something is acceptable.

• Koi baat nahi (कोई बात नहीं)

Meaning: It’s no problem/Don’t worry about it
Example: “Maine aapka pen tod diya. Koi baat nahi, main naya kharid dunga.” (I broke your pen. No worries, I’ll buy you a new one.)

This phrase is used to dismiss minor issues or to reassure someone that a mistake or inconvenience is not a big deal.

• Chalo (चलो)

Meaning: Let’s go/Come on
Example: “Chalo, film dekhne chalte hain.” (Let’s go watch a movie.)

“Chalo” is often used to encourage movement or action. It can also be used as a filler word, similar to “well” in English.

Expressions of Agreement and Disagreement

• Haan (हाँ)

Meaning: Yes
Example: “Kya aap Hindi bolte hain?” “Haan, thodi bahut.” (Do you speak Hindi? Yes, a little bit.)

“Haan” is the standard affirmative response in Hindi. It’s often accompanied by a slight head tilt or nod.

• Nahi (नहीं)

Meaning: No
Example: “Kya aap chai piyenge?” “Nahi, shukriya.” (Would you like some tea? No, thank you.)

“Nahi” is used to express disagreement or politely decline an offer.

• Bilkul (बिल्कुल)

Meaning: Absolutely/Totally
Example: “Kya aapko yeh film pasand aayi?” “Bilkul!” (Did you like this movie? Absolutely!)

“Bilkul” adds emphasis to an agreement or statement, showing strong affirmation.

Expressions of Emotion

• Bahut accha (बहुत अच्छा)

Meaning: Very good
Example: “Aapka khana bahut accha tha.” (Your food was very good.)

This phrase is used to express appreciation or to compliment something positively.

• Kya baat hai! (क्या बात है!)

Meaning: Wow!/What a thing!
Example: “Tumne first prize jeeta? Kya baat hai!” (You won first prize? Wow!)

This exclamation is used to express surprise, admiration, or excitement about something impressive.

• Mujhe samajh nahi aaya (मुझे समझ नहीं आया)

Meaning: I don’t understand
Example: “Yeh concept mujhe samajh nahi aaya. Kya aap phir se samjha sakte hain?” (I don’t understand this concept. Can you explain it again?)

This phrase is useful when you need clarification or don’t grasp something that was said or explained.

Idiomatic Expressions

• Aam ke aam, gutliyon ke daam (आम के आम, गुठलियों के दाम)

Meaning: To get double benefits from a single effort
Example: “Is deal mein humein aam ke aam, gutliyon ke daam mile.” (We got double benefits from this deal.)

This idiomatic expression is used when someone gains multiple advantages from a single action or investment.

• Daal mein kuch kaala hai (दाल में कुछ काला है)

Meaning: Something is fishy/suspicious
Example: “Mujhe lagta hai is vyavahar mein daal mein kuch kaala hai.” (I think there’s something suspicious about this deal.)

This phrase is used when you suspect something is not quite right or has a hidden agenda.

• Chaand par thookna (चाँद पर थूकना)

Meaning: To attempt the impossible
Example: “Iss company mein naukri paana chaand par thookna hai.” (Getting a job in this company is like spitting on the moon.)

This colorful expression describes an extremely difficult or nearly impossible task.

Phrases for Polite Requests

• Kripya (कृपया)

Meaning: Please
Example: “Kripya darwaza band kar dijiye.” (Please close the door.)

“Kripya” is the formal way to say “please” in Hindi, often used in polite requests or instructions.

• Kya aap… (क्या आप…)

Meaning: Could you… / Would you…
Example: “Kya aap mujhe station tak chod sakte hain?” (Could you drop me off at the station?)

This phrase is used to make polite requests or respectfully ask for favors.

Time-Related Phrases

• Abhi (अभी)

Meaning: Now/Right away
Example: “Main abhi aa raha hoon.” (I’m coming right now.)

“Abhi” is used to indicate immediacy or the present moment.

• Kal (कल)

Meaning: Tomorrow/Yesterday
Example: “Main kal market jaunga.” (I will go to the market tomorrow.)

Interestingly, “Kal” can refer to both yesterday and tomorrow, depending on the context and verb tense used.

Phrases for Socializing

• Khaana kha liya? (खाना खा लिया?)

Meaning: Have you eaten?
Example: “Namaste aunty, khaana kha liya?” (Hello aunty, have you eaten?)

This phrase is commonly used as a greeting, especially when visiting someone’s home or meeting around mealtime.

• Aapka din kaisa raha? (आपका दिन कैसा रहा?)

Meaning: How was your day?
Example: “Shaam ko milte hain. Aapka din kaisa raha?” (Let’s meet in the evening. How was your day?)

This phrase is perfect for starting a conversation and showing interest in someone’s well-being.

Cultural and Traditional Phrases

• Atithi Devo Bhava (अतिथि देवो भव)

Meaning: The guest is equivalent to God
Example: “Hamare yahan Atithi Devo Bhava ka siddhant bahut mahatvapurn hai.” (In our culture, the principle of treating guests as God is very important.)

This Sanskrit phrase reflects the importance of hospitality in Indian culture.

• Shubh Diwali (शुभ दिवाली)

Meaning: Happy Diwali
Example: “Aapko aur aapke parivar ko Shubh Diwali!” (Happy Diwali to you and your family!)

Used during the festival of Diwali, this phrase is a way to extend festive greetings.

Phrases for Encouragement

• Himmat mat haaro (हिम्मत मत हारो)

Meaning: Don’t lose courage
Example: “Pariksha mein fail hone par bhi himmat mat haaro.” (Don’t lose courage even if you fail in the exam.)

This phrase is used to encourage someone who might be facing difficulties or setbacks.

• Sab theek ho jayega (सब ठीक हो जाएगा)

Meaning: Everything will be alright
Example: “Chinta mat karo, sab theek ho jayega.” (Don’t worry, everything will be alright.)

This reassuring phrase is used to comfort someone who is anxious or worried about a situation.

Phrases for Apologies

• Maaf kijiye (माफ़ कीजिये)

Meaning: I’m sorry (formal)
Example: “Der ke liye maaf kijiye.” (I’m sorry for being late.)

“Maaf kijiye” is a polite way to apologize in formal situations.

• Sorry yaar (सॉरी यार)

Meaning: Sorry, friend (informal)
Example: “Sorry yaar, main bhool gaya.” (Sorry, friend, I forgot.)

This informal apology is commonly used among friends and in casual settings.

Phrases for Shopping and Bargaining

• Kitne ka hai? (कितने का है?)

Meaning: How much does it cost?
Example: “Yeh saree kitne ki hai?” (How much does this saree cost?)

Essential for shopping in markets or stores where prices aren’t always displayed.

• Thoda kam kar dijiye (थोड़ा कम कर दीजिये)

Meaning: Please reduce the price a bit
Example: “Bhaiya, thoda kam kar dijiye na.” (Brother, please reduce the price a little.)

This phrase is commonly used when bargaining in markets.

Phrases for Directions

• Yeh rasta kahan jaata hai? (यह रास्ता कहाँ जाता है?)

Meaning: Where does this road go?
Example: “Maaf kijiye, yeh rasta kahan jaata hai?” (Excuse me, where does this road lead to?)

Useful when asking for directions in an unfamiliar area.

• Seedhe jaayein (सीधे जाएँ)

Meaning: Go straight
Example: “Aap seedhe jaayein, phir daayen mudein.” (Go straight, then turn right.)

A common phrase used when giving directions.